Photo: EDDIE / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Waitrose backs HGV driver criticised by Jeremy Vine

As was heavily reported here and elsewhere, last week TV and radio presenter Jeremy Vine sparked debate when making a video criticising the driver of a Waitrose lorry. Since then, in an email from Waitrose published by some members of the trucking community, a representative from the supermarket chain has shot down rumours that the driver had been sacked.

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One of those who had been following the story was lorry driver/influencer Luke C in a HGV, who claimed he had heard the driver in question had been suspended pending further investigation.

Writing on the topic via Facebook last Thursday morning, the trucker and YouTuber said:

“Turns out the Waitrose & Partners Driver has been suspended pending further investigation! If this driver gets the sack that is absolutely outrageous! That lorry driver did absolutely nothing wrong. Stayed in his lane and didn’t injure the cyclist whatsoever.”

The trucking influencer added that he would be contacting Waitrose to urge the company back its driver.

After sending an email to the supermarket chain’s Executive Director, James Bailey, Luke C and others received a letter from a Waitrose representative.

In the email, the representative denied rumours the lorry driver had been dismissed, stating:

“Thank you for your support – please be assured this is not correct – the driver in question is still working for us.”

The email continues:

“We’ve had a look into this and having reviewed the footage, it does look as though our driver used the correct positioning whilst travelling on a narrow lane.”


Photo: EDDIE / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0